By Moses Leos III

History was made Tuesday as Lehman High 6’4” wide receiver Tyler Henderson announced his commitment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.  

With his announcement, Henderson becomes one of the first football players from Lehman High to commit to a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program. 

Henderson made the announcement via social media, where he thanked God, his family, coaches and teammates in a statement on Twitter. 

“First I want to give all thanks to God for putting me in this position. Next I want to thank my family for giving a great foundation and supporting me in every way they could,” Henderson wrote in his statement. “I also thank all my coaches, teammates, and friends for pushing me and never letting give up on anything. I am blessed to announce that I am committing to the Naval Academy!” 

Henderson’s decision to commit came after announcing on social media June 24 he received an offer from Navy. Lehman High head football coach Todd Raymond said Henderson visited Annapolis last week. 

Raymond said he and Henderson are very close and have “talked a lot through the process.” 

“He feels like there isn’t a better fit for him. It takes a special kid to go to an academy,” Raymond said. “His family feels like there are not many places that can offer a top 25 football team and a top 10 education.” 

Henderson, who enters his senior season, was a key component in the Lobo passing game in 2015. Henderson finished with a team high 325 receiving yards on 31 receptions with a touchdown last season. He went for a season high 83 yards on eight receptions against rival Hays on Oct. 2, 2015. 

He commits to a Naval Academy program helmed by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, who took over the program at the end of the 2007 season. 

Navy finished last season 13-1 overall, 7-1 in the American Athletic Conference west division. The Midshipmen finished the season ranked No. 18 in the Coaches and Associated Press Football Bowl Subdivision poll.